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Garlic Butter Spinach Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a bright lemon finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) peeled and deveined shrimp, medium-sized
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
  • 4 tablespoons (about 55 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (about 120 g) fresh spinach, packed, washed and roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain the rest and set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450 g) of peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and add 4 tablespoons (about 55 g) unsalted butter to the same skillet. Let it melt slowly, stirring to combine with any garlic and shrimp juices left behind.
  6. Add 4 cups (about 120 g) fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta in garlic butter sauce. If dry, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky consistency is reached.
  8. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese until cheese melts slightly and everything is combined.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optionally sprinkle ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Dry shrimp well before cooking to prevent steaming. Let garlic gently sizzle to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Toss spinach last to prevent mushiness. Save some Parmesan for topping at serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, spinach shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, weeknight dinner, easy shrimp recipe, garlic butter sauce, healthy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/garlic-butter-spinach-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner-idea/